BBC bosses confirmed that the ballroom queen will be replacing Len Goodman, following his retirement last year, on the show's official Twitter account today, May 8.

A spokesperson said: "We are delighted to announce that Shirley Ballas, the 'Queen of Latin', is the new judge on @bbcstrictly."

But Shirley, 56, faced a lot of competition to get the job, with Strictly favourites like Anton du Beke, Karen Hardy, Ian Waite and Brendan Cole in the running. So why did producers decide to give such an important role to someone viewers might not be so familiar with?

Who is Shirley Ballas?

Shirley was born and raised just outside of Liverpool in Wallasey, and started dancing when she was a little girl.

By the age of 21, she had won nearly every major title she competed in worldwide.

Since retiring from competitive dancing in 1996, Shirley has become an acclaimed coach to top professional and amateur dancers around the world. She is also a highly sought-after judge for both Ballroom and Latin American competitions.

What are Shirley's accolades?

Let's just say she's earned her nickname the 'Queen of Latin'.

Shirley is a three-time British Open to the World Latin American Champion, 10-time United States Latin American Champion, and multiple-times British National Champion.

She is the only person to have ever won the British Open to the World Latin American Championships in Blackpool with two different partners, and reached the finals an impressive 17 times.

To this day, Shirley still remains the youngest ever female to reach the British Open to the World Dance Championship finals.

Has Shirley worked on TV before?

In 2009, she appeared as a celebrity guest on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two alongside Zoe Ball.

She has also previously been on the US version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars – which her predecessor Len still judges. Shirley's son Mark Ballas, a dancer, singer-songwriter, actor and Broadway star, has won the US series twice.

Shirley was also guardian to Julianne and Derek Hough during their childhood in London. The pair are now professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars.

What will Shirley's role be on Strictly?

Shirley will take over from Len Goodman as Head Judge, giving her the responsibility of the casting vote in dance-offs.

Why did Strictly bosses choose Shirley?

There was a lot of competition, but BBC bosses agreed the job had to go to Shirley.

Strictly Come Dancing executive producer Louise Rainbow explained that she's "the perfect fit" because of her "wealth of experience".

Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content, added: "Len's are big shoes to fill, but the 'Queen of Latin' is the ideal new Strictly judge.

"Shirley Ballas is a British ballroom expert whose credentials speak for themselves. She's going to be a fabulous addition to the best judging panel in showbiz!"

What has Shirley had to say about becoming Strictly's new head judge?

Obviously, Shirley is delighted. She said: "I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity. I can't wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel. Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I just can't wait!"

What do the other Strictly judges think?

By the sound of things, Darcey, Craig and Bruno are delighted with the decision.

Darcey said: "I look forward to meeting Shirley and welcoming her to our Strictly team. Her years of experience in Ballroom and Latin dancing are impressive and I'm sure she will be a great addition to our judging panel."

Craig commented: "Fantastic news that Shirley will be joining me and the other judges on the panel. I look forward to working with her on the next series of Strictly!"

Bruno added:"I know Shirley well – she is an incredible Latin dancer and trainer and I am sure she will be a great addition to the Strictly team."